Preamp tubes Question

[Casper]

Questions: In regards to amp tone:
1. How does one preamp tube differ from the other in regards to tone? Is it plate voltage or gain value or just tube build?
2. If one preamp tube has more bass or more treble, how do I pick the tone I am looking for?
3. OR Does the placement of a preamp tube in a certain valve position determine is tonal effect?
4> Lastly. When choosing a tube for a valve position, should I be thinking of plate voltage or gain?

Example: a 12AT7 has 30% less gain than a 12AX7 but has 10- 15 times MORE plate voltage (from what I've read...
Any thoughts?

Shaun

 

[soundguruman]

Questions: In regards to amp tone:
1. How does one preamp tube differ from the other in regards to tone? Is it plate voltage or gain value or just tube build?

All tubes are different. Each one is like a different flavor.
Some are noisy, some are low gain, some are quiet, etc...some are "just right."

2. If one preamp tube has more bass or more treble, how do I pick the tone I am looking for?

That's by ear.
However, there are lab selected tubes, that cost more money.

3. OR Does the placement of a preamp tube in a certain valve position determine is tonal effect?

yes

4> Lastly. When choosing a tube for a valve position, should I be thinking of plate voltage or gain?

You are over thinking it.

Example: a 12AT7 has 30% less gain than a 12AX7 but has 10- 15 times MORE plate voltage (from what I've read...
Any thoughts?

The tube does not have plate voltage. The plate voltage is IN the amplifier.
12AX7 has more gain, 12AT7 has less.

soundguruman
Shaun